Iron-on skid-resistant sole

ABSTRACT

An iron-on sole for use on footed apparel to provide traction on slippery surfaces. Whereas the sole being comprised of a flexible, soft, air permeable material. Whereas the sole having a heat activated laminate or adhesive applied to the top portion of the sole. Whereas the top portion of the sole is one side of the sole and the bottom portion the other side of the sole. Whereas the bottom portion of the sole provides a durable anti-slip surface.

BACKGROUND

[0001] It has long been the goal of footed apparel manufacturers to provide the garment some kind of anti-slip sole. This is particularly true in the children's apparel market where safety is of utmost concern. Most of these manufacturers utilize a process of printing a polyvinyl compound pattern onto the sole of the garment to provide a kind of tread for traction and durability (see Nobile, U.S. Pat. No. 3,653,074; Bevier, U.S. Pat. No. 2,725,567). Unfortunately, this rubbery compound tends to loose its skid-resistant qualities after just a few washings and wearings. Also, if the tread pattern is spaced out too far it doesn't provide adequate skid-resistance.

[0002] For the consumer there are few options for providing an effective anti-slip sole for footed apparel when there is either no tread provided or the tread provided has worn off.

[0003] In the case of a child's sleeper, in the past parents have had to rely on covering the feet of the child with some sort of skid-resistant article of clothing, be it socks, slippers or slipper socks having a no-slip sole. This procedure, however, is usually very uncomfortable for the child because the loose fitting sleeper gets bunched up in the slipper, sock or slipper sock. This procedure can also cause excessive perspiration of the feet as they get too hot from being covered not only by the sleeper feet, but also the slipper, sock or slipper sock. Furthermore, a child may have the ability to remove the slipper, sock or slipper sock from his feet, which again makes the sleeper unsafe for walking on slippery surfaces. Thus, solving the anti-slip problem by putting slippers, socks or slipper socks over the feet causes other problems that are unacceptable for superior comfort and safety.

[0004] One could also choose not to use footed apparel. This particular option may not be suitable for those who require covered feet for warmth, such as infants who cant' keep themselves covered when they sleep. Or, the elderly, whose aged circulatory system makes them require more warmth.

[0005] The use of suede as a skid-resistant surface is well known. Many types of slippers and slipper socks utilize a leather sole (see Hoza U.S. Pat. No. 2,586,045, Chilewich U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,272, Doughty U.S. Pat. No. 2,675,631, Nobile U.S. Pat. No. 3,653,074). However, these examples focus on the durability and aesthetic beauty of the seams between the sole and the sock. Generally, slippers and slipper socks use a thicker and more rigid leather and also have an inner sole for cushioning because they are designed for daytime use and not for wearing to bed.

[0006] The present invention is a novel solution to this recurring slipping problem. Whereas previous inventions have focused on providing the anti-slip sole directly on the footed garment (see Hoza U.S. Pat. No. 2,586,045, Chilewich U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,272, Doughty U.S. Pat. No. 2,675,631, Nobile U.S. Pat. No. 3,653,074, Bevier U.S. Pat. No. 2,725,567), the present invention provides a totally separate solution, which allows for the consumer to apply the sole onto a garment.

[0007] Whereas previous inventions have focused on soles that are sewn onto or into the garment by the manufacturer (see Chilewich U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,272, Doughty U.S. Pat. No. 2,675,631, Nobile U.S. Pat. No. 3,653,074), the present invention allows for the consumer to apply a safer sole with a hand iron. This is a big convenience feature for consumers who don't know how or don't have the time to sew a sole onto a garment. The present invention also allows for the consumer to apply the sole onto a garment of their choice, so long as the garment can be ironed. This allows the consumer greater choice of the type of garments he or she wishes to use for either comfort or fashion. Whereas the said previous invention would be costly to purchase several of, the present invention is more cost effective for multiple purchases.

[0008] Whereas previous inventions (see Nobile U.S. Pat. No. 3,653,074, Bevier U.S. Pat. No. 2,725,567) have utilized a low quality tread comprised of a pattern of a polyvinyl compound, the present invention is comprised of a light weight (1-2 oz.) suede or suede-like material which is longer lasting and provides a superior anti-slip surface. Whereas when said previous invention's tread wears off the product becomes unsafe for use on slippery surfaces. If the present invention becomes unfused to the garment material after extended use it can be completely removed by ironing it at 350° for 15 seconds then immediately but carefully peel it away from the fabric using tweezers. A new sole can then be applied to the garment.

DESCRIPTION

[0009] The present invention relates to an iron-on anti-slip sole. The invention specifically concerns an anti-slip sole that can be applied to footed apparel by consumers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 depicts top, bottom and side views of the present invention. FIG. 2 depicts an example of how a consumer would apply the soles onto a baby sleeper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011]FIG. 1A is a full bottom view of the skid-resistant sole material such as a 1-2 oz. suede.

[0012]FIG. 1B is a full view of the high quality, heat activated laminate film. FIG. 1C is a side view of the finished product showing the heat fusible laminate applied to the top side of the sole material.

[0013]FIG. 2 is an example of sole application only. In this case, the sole is fused by the consumer onto a baby's sleeper with an ordinary hand iron. FIG. 2A shows a proper placement of the sole on the child's sleeper. The laminate side of the sole is placed facing the garment fabric, leaving the sueded sole facing out. FIG. 2B shows the use of an ordinary hand iron to heat fuse the sole onto the child's sleeper. The iron, set to it's “cotton setting” or approximately 350°, is pressed onto the sole without movement for a time of 15 seconds. The iron is then removed and the garment allowed to cool. FIG. 2C shows the finished application of two soles onto a child's sleeper. Note: FIG. 2 is an example of sole application onto a garment only; the garment is not a part of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An iron-on anti-slip sole, comprising a 1-2 oz. suede or suede-like material and a high quality, heat activated laminate, whereby to permit semi-permanent application or removal of said sole by the consumer onto footed garments by fusing the sole onto the garment with an ordinary hand iron for the purpose of providing the consumer with a durable, long lasting and inexpensive means of obtaining superior skid-resistance to said garments.
 2. Sole of claim 1 wherein the sueded side of the suede or suede-like material provides a durable anti-slip surface.
 3. Sole of claim 1 wherein upon the non-sueded, or split sueded, side of the sole is applied a heat activated laminate. 